Glück
/ɡlʏk/neuter
The English phrase 'happiness' can be translated into German as Glück. Wiktionary also lists Glücklichkeit.
Meaning: emotion of being happy (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Glück | /ɡlʏk/ | neuter |
| Glücklichkeit | /ˈɡlʏklɪçkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
Glück refers to the emotion of being happy, but it also carries the meaning of luck or good fortune. In Bavaria, the colloquial term Gaudi is used to refer to a happy and enjoyable time.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to the state of being happy, Glück can also mean 'luck' or 'fortune'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Glück is a neuter noun and takes the article das. Glücklichkeit is a feminine noun and takes the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡlʏk/
When do people say it?
The phrase Viel Glück! is the standard way to say 'Good luck!' in German, even though it literally translates to 'Much happiness/luck!'
Did you know?
- In German culture, there is a concept called Glückspilz, which literally translates to 'luck mushroom'. It is used to describe a person who is unexpectedly lucky or happy.
- The etymology of Glück may be linked to the Dutch word 'luiken', meaning 'to close', suggesting the word once meant 'that which is determined'.
- German distinguishes between Glück (luck or long-term happiness) and Freude (joy). While Glück is a state of being, Freude is often the active emotion felt in a specific moment.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche dir Glück.I wish you happiness.This sentence shows how to use Glück when wishing someone happiness.Tatoeba #1224642 by Esperantostern, translation #2044465 by CK
- Sie strahlt vor Glück.She glows with happiness.This sentence uses Glück to describe someone glowing with happiness.Tatoeba #1326609 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1326629 by al_ex_an_der
- Ich wünsche dir Glück!I wish you happiness!This sentence shows an enthusiastic way to wish someone happiness using Glück.Tatoeba #10044546 by wolfgangth, translation #5953760 by astru
- Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Glück und Zufriedenheit!I wish you good luck and contentment!
- Ich bin so glücklich!I am so happy!
- Das war a richtige Gaudi!That was a real blast!
- 182 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sitting in a cafe talking about life.
- SarahWas bedeutet Glück für dich?What does happiness mean to you?
- MaximilianDas Leben mit dir zu teilen.Sharing life with you.
- SarahDas ist sehr süß, Maximilian.That is very sweet, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch bin einfach sehr zufrieden.I am simply very content.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happiness” translations and entries Glück, Glücklichkeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glück, Glücklichkeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
